Christmas Project sign-ups continue

Here’s how to get help and give help to annual food-toy drive

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Registration for the Hood River County Christmas Project is under way at locations around Hood River County.

The Christmas Project provides assistance with food and children’s gifts during the holidays to low-income families living within Hood River County. This year will mark the 90th year of the program, which is based on community participation.

Hood River County families meeting State of Oregon Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) standards (previously known as the food stamps), although they do not need to be presently receiving SNAP benefits. Families wishing to apply will need to bring proof of income and residency. Eligible children in the family must be living at home.

Christmas Project applications will be taken again this year at the following locations:

In Cascade Locks, applications will be taken at The Cascade Locks City Hall-FISH Food Bank on Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 2-4 p.m.

In Hood River, applications are being taken at the Oregon Department of Human Services, 1610 Ninth Court on the Heights off of Pacific Avenue, on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 15, 22 and Dec. 6, and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 16, 23 and Dec. 7.

In Odell, applications will be taken at the Odell Food Bank, 3440 Odell Highway, from 4-6 p.m. on Thursdays, Nov. 14 and Dec. 5.

In Parkdale, applications will be taken at the Parkdale Community Church during food bank hours (4-6 p.m.) on Monday, Nov. 25.

Applicants may sign up at whichever location is most convenient for them.

Approximately 500 families (2,000 men, women and children) were registered in 2012 and were provided with food and toy assistance.

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This year, the Hood River County Fairgrounds has again offered its facilities for distribution of the Christmas baskets to the families. Registered families will need to come to the Community Building this year, on Dec. 20 and 21, from 1-6 p.m. to pick up their baskets. Baskets for seniors and people with disabilities will be delivered to their residences Saturday, Dec. 21.

To contribute to the Christmas Project, checks may be mailed to P.O. Box 872, Hood River, OR 97031. All donations are tax-deductible [501 (c)(3) organization].

To help with family registration and directing or participating in various aspects of the project, or for more information on how to get involved or sponsor a needy family, call Kym Zanmiller at 541-386-5153 or visit hoodrivercountychristmasproject.com.